Induction

Phil has been following and contributing to my National Poetry Month project since the first year I did it. He lives in Hull, Yorkshire, which is a city with a great history of gritty, mouthy, sharply brilliant poets. When he discovers something new that he likes, I file it away to share during April. They’ve been some of my favorite posts over the last few years, and I particularly love this one. Russ Litten is a local Hull poet, and he teaches a creative writing class in a prison (read a little more about that on his website). Phil is guest reading today.Click the title of the poem to listen.InductionEvery Monday morning I stand upbefore twenty or so disinterested facesslouched around library tablesand tell themabout the possibilities of poetryand the prospect of escape.It’s a poor joke, and some morningsit goes down less wellthan others.Like this morning,one sullen soul flinging rancourfrom the back of the room:What’s that for then?…Yeah, but what do you get at the end of it?…Do you get paid?…So what use is that to me?…And I said(quoting Scargill quoting his Dad):“…the quality of your life depends uponyour ability to manipulate words…”Does it fuck, hesaid,thus provingboth ofour points.by Russ Litten

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I believe that jewelry tells a story. It can be a secret story, a reminder to yourself; it can be a story you tell to the world around you; it can be a costume or a talisman or a suit of armor. I love stories, and I love the challenge of translating an image or a narrative into a beautiful, wearable medium. I design and make jewelry using vintage and antique glass, hardware, metal and sterling silver. You can read my story here, and you can buy my work at the Leaves of Glass and urban legend links above.

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I love the colors in this necklace. Beautiful. The chain is also very dainty and elegant. Perfect for you or perfect for a gift! Vendor does such a wonderful job in putting colors together. Both for beauty and for whimsy.